Community Chat

[Oznell]

His name is Gilbert, and he was introduced as the best dressed young man in New York.  ( He is so adorable, I'm sorry I can't help gushing.  And he is faultlessly polite and friendly, with a fab vocabulary.)

He loves the 1920's especially, and collects clothes from that era, and even earlier, Victorian times.

A.J. ( I'm sorry I don't know the last names of these people) is the blogger who found Gilbert.  A.J. is The Mystery Fashionist, and he travels around internationally and interviews people with a love of clothes, and great senses of style.

During the street interview, A.J. asked Gilbert which cities he considers to be the most fashionable. Gilbert responded, Milan, and London.  He says New York is a close third.

Gilbert and his Mom invited A.J. to come see Gilbert's vintage clothing collection.

(A.J. has his own vivid sense of style, a love of hats also, and he was wowed by Gilbert's wardrobe.)

A.J. was received at Gilbert's spotlessly tidy and well organized home. Gilbert pointed out that his parents have furnished it almost entirely with vintage finds and antiques.

Gilbert's sweet Mom appeared briefly, and she had yet another interesting personal style.  She had a short, Mia Farrow- type cut, and intentionally huge glasses.... what I would think of as sort of an earnest hipster mom, Brooklyn look....

In his room, Gilbert showed A.J. his collections.  

His wonderful hat collection, which he began to amass at age 6, with a battered silk top hat.  He has fedoras, Homburgs, a Stetson, even an antique pith helmet!

His favorite is this antique straw boater from the early 1900's--

He also enjoys his antique walking stick, which conceals a rakish sword inside....

Showing his collection of stiff celluloid collars and cuffs.  He laughed that he wouldn't be wearing them anytime soon, since they were extremely flammable, and gents of old sometimes set themselves on fire!

Showing one of his small collection of American artillery shells from World War I.  He said he put poppies in it to remember the World War I soldiers.  I tell you, this kid! 

A.J. remarked on his great haircut, and Gilbert shared the name of his favorite barber shop.  I love it too-- it's so "Great Gatsby",  ha.

Apart from getting a glimpse of a throwback style, assembled with boldness and flair, it is so much fun to see a young boy so intelligent, composed and affable. There was not even the slightest "obnoxiousness" which can sometimes accompany precocity.  He was modest, not full of himself.

Gilbert is home schooled, although he said that his brother goes to school.

He confided that he's terrible at math, but loves history ( of course).  He was so charming and courteous to his guest, giving him a brief tour of the house, and being able to conduct a fluid and informative discussion with his adult interviewer.

The video is easily googled.  It's entitled "This 13 Year Old Refuses to Wear Modern Clothes". 

[SharkE]

God Bless Him !   Most kids that age look like orphans of the storm.  Bet he gets teased a lot though.

[occasionalrain]

@Oznell 

Thank you for finding and sharing this

unique boy. Perhaps when he's all grown up he'll appear on Jeopardy and become a several days champion.

[on the bay]

Thanks for posting this @Oznell.

It was really fun to read about this very unique young Gilbert!

I love his look

[Sooner]

Poor little boy!  He should be in a pair of shorts and tee shirt playing with other kids.  Breaks my heart!  

[on the bay]

I think every kid who gets to do what they love and has a passion for something is very fortunate. Not every kid has to be the same and do the same as most. He seems very well grounded to me and happy with who he is.

[Goldengate8361]

Future famous designer in the making! 

[Franklinbell]

@Oznell @Thank you for sharing! A dapper young man!

[Bookplate]

I'm all for being one's own true self and this kid seems to have it in spades.  But I have to wonder about his relationship with his peers.

Kids can be very cruel. May partially explain the home schooling.

[Judaline]

Where in the world did he ever pick up on something like this? Did he watch a lot of old movies? I am astounded! Also flabbergasted! I think he's going to grow up to be Alain Delon.